CRO. UPPER HOUSE ENDORSES HEALTH SECTOR REFORM

ZAGREB, July 13 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament's House of Counties at Thursday's session agreed the big structural, organisational, and financial difficulties in the health sector called for a reform, giving the green light to a government plan on the reform of the health sector and health insurance. The Upper House also endorsed a draft reform of the power-supply sector. During an extensive debate on a health sector reform, Upper House MPs agreed that despite all risks, a reform was imperative and that unless effected, it would escalate the financial crisis in the sector, reducing the quality and availability of health care. Upper House MPs believe the reform should focus on prevention and primary health care, pointing out the state must ensure a standard health package for children and youth under 18, pensioners, the socially-endangered, and the handicapped. The reform's objectives and priorities are clear, namely to offer the maximum possible, equally to all and throughout Croatia, said Health Minister Ana Stavljenic-Rukavina. A power-supply sector reform, which covers the two leading companies, oil company INA and power utility company HEP, provides a framework for the restructuring and privatisation of the sector worth between five and six million U.S. dollars. Croatia has to implement the reform over the next two years. Concrete conclusions and suggestions will be forwarded into parliamentary procedure in the autumn. (hina) ha mm